Beretta 694 Black DLC: What the New Over-and-Under Offers

Field & Stream has reviewed the Beretta 694 Black DLC, focusing, according to the information provided, on its fit and field performance. The assessment belongs to the US publication and should not be mistaken for independent testing: before publishing conclusions on accuracy, recoil or pattern quality, the full article and its methodology would need to be examined.

The existence of the 694 Black DLC Sporting and 694 Black DLC Trap versions is confirmed in Beretta’s official documentation. The manufacturer presents this over-and-under as an evolution of the 694 family for competition shooting, with changes to the finish and various adjustment options. The model’s appeal therefore extends beyond its black styling with green details.

Fit is part of performance

Among the features confirmed by Beretta is the B-Fast balancing system. The barrels accept 5, 10 and 15-gram weights that can be fitted in different positions, while the stock can accommodate 20 and 40-gram counterweights. This system allows the weight distribution to be altered to tailor the gun’s movement, although no single configuration is universally better: it will depend on the discipline, technique and preferences of each shooter.

The manufacturer also specifies a trigger adjustable to three positions, an 18-millimetre MicroCore recoil pad and a stated stock length of 375 millimetres. On the Sporting version, the stock features a wider blade and comb, a longer pistol grip and a palm swell. These are objective specifications, but they do not in themselves guarantee correct gun mount and fit. Eye height in relation to the rib, pressure against the face and effective length to the trigger should all be checked with the gun mounted.

Beretta also states that the action and stock feature progressive grooves designed to clear the shooter’s peripheral vision and reduce the tendency to lift the head. This is the brand’s stated purpose; the actual effect will depend on the user’s anatomy and stance.

DLC and barrels: what the manufacturer says

The Black DLC name refers to the surface treatment that distinguishes this configuration. Beretta claims that this coating provides greater resistance to wear and corrosion. It should be treated as a manufacturer’s claim until comparative long-term testing is available, since a limited field test cannot by itself establish the service life of the finish.

The official specification lists Steelium Plus Optimabore HP barrels, with a 320-millimetre triple forcing cone, and Optimachoke HP chokes made from high-strength steel and, according to Beretta, suitable for steel shot. One point requires further verification: other marketing materials for the Black DLC mention Steelium Pro barrels and different geometries, so the exact configuration may vary by version or market.